Pasadena death altar honors 'saint' of Mexican drug traffickers

PASADENA - Police Monday continued to investigate the origin of a human skull and other bones piled together near a backyard altar dedicated to Santa Muerte and Jesus Malverde the patron saint of Mexican drug traffickers.

The skull and bones were found Sunday among burned artifacts, incense, candles and statutes at the site of the makeshift altar in the 800 block of N. Oakland Ave., police said.

Police initially identified the altar as being related to the practice of Santaria, it is more likely related to the worship of Santa Muerte - an offshoot of Carribean voodoo.

Although the ownership of human skulls can be illegal, no arrests were made, Pasadena police Lt. Tom Delgado said.

Malverde, a Mexican folk hero, is often associated with poverty and struggle. He is considered the patron saint of drug traffickers, though Malverde has also inspired a Mexican beer brand and has been incorporated into other cultural items.

Santa Muerte is Spanish for Saint Death, and the figure akin to the Grim Reaper has emerged in recent years as another unofficial patron saint, both for miracles and ill will.

An examination of the bones is expected Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

Police originally went to the home in response to a trespassing call at about 12:50 p.m. Saturday.

Police arrested a man for outstanding warrants while there, but believe his case is unrelated to the trespassing call or the human remains.